Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly denied allegations made against her by a United States-based activist, Dr. Sandra Duru, popularly known as Professor Mgbeke, describing them as false, manipulated, and serving ulterior political motives.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan addressed a livestreamed video posted on Facebook by Dr. Duru on May 1, 2025, which featured audio clips purportedly attributed to the senator. The embattled lawmaker disowned the voice recordings and dismissed the content of the broadcast as “entirely untrue.”
“The content of the livestream, including the voice effect credited to me, are entirely untrue and most manipulated to serve Sandra Duru’s ulterior motive of playing the script of Senator Godswill Akpabio,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
She further clarified that the voice effects used in the video did not emanate from her, nor did they result from any interaction involving her in any natural capacity. She suggested that the activist may have employed digital manipulation to fabricate the recording.
The senator also revealed that she recently discovered that Sandra Duru had previously operated under the alias “Professor Mgbeke” on Facebook, raising further questions about the activist’s credibility.
“In the nearest of time, I will respond to the unfounded allegations made therein,” she stated, indicating that a more detailed response will follow.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statement comes amid ongoing political tension and speculated power tussles within Nigeria’s legislative and activist circles. She has implied that the smear campaign is politically motivated and possibly linked to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This development adds to a growing list of political controversies surrounding the senator, who has remained vocal even while suspended from the National Assembly.
As of press time, neither Dr. Duru nor Senator Akpabio had issued further responses to the claims.
